Middle School Dean of Student Supports

Dream•Mott Haven, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

DREAM is a network of PreK-12 charter schools and youth development programs serving over 2,500 students in East Harlem and the South Bronx. The Middle School Dean of Student Supports, reporting to the Principal, will lead staff and parents in special education services and regulations. This role involves close collaboration with the Network Director of Special Education and the school-based leadership team to ensure the implementation of special education policies and the integration of student support services. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of state and federal regulations concerning children with special needs, experience leading IEP meetings, coaching teachers on IEP reports, and a solution-oriented approach to challenges. Flexibility, self-motivation, teamwork, and effective management skills are essential. A deep commitment to DREAM's mission, values, and comprehensive educational approach is required, along with a desire to impact underserved communities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
Three years of teaching experience in an Integrated Co-Teaching or special education setting with a record of high student achievement, required
Demonstrated student achievement results in their own classroom and from teachers that they manage
Demonstrated ability to create inclusive environments that honor and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives
Adept at data analysis with the ability to extract meaningful insights across school-wide data
Expertise in what the school-wide academic standards and state assessments require of students’ knowledge and skills to demonstrate mastery and able to translate student mastery requirements into instructional plans and strategies
Deep understanding of appropriate application and differentiation of high-leverage instructional strategies based on comprehension of child development and pedagogy
Demonstrated resilience and focus on student outcomes
A strong belief that all students, regardless of background, have the ability and opportunity to go to and through college
Demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Special Education preferred
Successful experience in coaching, people leadership, and leading professional development in large group, small group or one-on-one settings, strongly preferred
Appropriate New York State certification in Special Education, preferred
Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the School Leadership Team and advocate for special education.
Reinforce clear expectations and routines aligned with the school's vision for all learners.
Create a positive, achievement-oriented, structured learning environment with high joy.
Teach and progress monitor a caseload of students, analyzing data and providing interventions.
Provide research-based reading intervention strategies.
Maintain communication with content area teachers and participate in grade team meetings.
Model responses, provide visual anchors, and lead guided and independent practice.
Integrate student IEPs into reading intervention programs, planning and monitoring IEP goals.
Share student data verbally and in writing during IEP meetings.
Engage parents and families in their children’s academic success through regular communication.
Oversee and manage a caseload of special education students and implement IEP/504 plans.
Ensure appropriate delivery of special education instruction and related services.
Ensure compliance with local and Federal laws and regulations for students with IEPs/504 plans.
Facilitate IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.
Schedule IEP meetings prior to compliance deadlines.
Ensure IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards-based, strength-based, and relevant to individual students.
Coordinate with the student's special education team to ensure timely completion of all documents.
Coordinate with teachers and the Data Team for effective implementation of IEP Testing Accommodations.
Ensure all data platforms (SESIS, Power School, ATS) are up to date.
Set, monitor, and enforce clear expectations for new students with IEPs.
Be an active member of the Response-to-Intervention Team.
Attend and support grade-band RTI Scholar Talks.
Coordinate with Network Director of Special Education, Academic Deans, Teachers, and Data Team in creating RTI groups.
Monitor implementation of RTI plans through observation and feedback.
Ensure RTI data is entered into student plans weekly and follow up with teachers.
Observe the implementation of research-based interventions and integrated co-teaching models.
Provide coaching and teacher development on student support best practices.
Co-facilitate Intellectual Planning meetings with Academic Deans.
Collaborate with Academic Deans to co-create data-based meeting agendas.
Facilitate meetings for learning specialists.
Provide professional development and technical assistance to teachers and related service providers on IEP management.
Supervise, coach, and develop reading intervention teachers and ELL teachers.
Oversee all ELL compliance and coordination.
Collaborate with Mental Health Providers when onboarding paraprofessionals.
Lead Special Education Department Meetings and coach Learning Interventionists.
Effectively communicate the special education process to parents and guardians.
Lead monthly parent forums for training on supporting children with disabilities at home.
Communicate the DREAM’s special education process and services to prospective parents.
Schedule meetings with newly enrolled families to review student’s current IEP and assess needs.
Provide support to newly enrolled families in collecting their child’s IEP.
Perform additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

Benefits

Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children
Ability to select between a variety of medical plans
Dental and vision plans
Disability benefits
Life insurance
Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave
Flexible spending account options
Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit)
Fitness and entertainment discounts
Variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP)
403(b) retirement plan with employer match starting at 4% after one year, with increases tied to DREAM tenure
Referral, performance, and tenure milestone bonuses
Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program
Tuition reimbursement support
Access to a professional development fund
School-based 12-month employees have approximately 48 days off throughout the school year including holidays, school breaks, personal days, and wellness days